Top 5 Tips to keep your indoor plants thriving!

Did you know that once we get settled into winter, your plants will have different needs? Here are my top 5 tips to ensure your beautiful indoor plants stay happy and healthy!

1. Most indoor plants prefer a higher level of humidity to thrive, and in our dry winter climate, you can keep them happy by misting with a spray bottle, keeping a humidifier going, placing them on a platter of water, or even put them under the shower once in a while!

2. Water less frequently! The number one reason indoor plants don’t thrive is when they’re overwatered. So, keep them on the dryer to lightly moist side by watering less frequently. it’s best to give them a drink, let them dry out between waterings, then give them another watering when the soil is dry to the touch about an inch deep from the top. Hold off on regular fertilizing - in the winter months they really don’t need it, but they will look forward to a light feed come springtime.

3. Air quality in our home changes in the winter. You may not notice it but those freezing cold drafts from coming in and out of the front door can affect how well your plant is doing over the winter months. The furnace cutting in and out is keeping us warm and cozy, but that hot blast could be killing your plants! So pay attention to the location of your plants - Is your fiddle leaf fig positioned in the entrance near the door? Is your Boston fern sitting near a floor register getting blown away by hot, dry air all day? Is your spider plant’s leaves touching that cold window pane? It might pay to move them to a different location.

4. Check for pests! Spider mites thrive in dry arid environments. Check the underside of your plants’ leaves for signs of pests. These could include tiny needlepoint size mites, usually telltale by the webs they leave. To combat mites, you can spray with a neem oil or insecticidal soaps. Regular spritzes of water can help keep infestations at bay.

5. Bust out the feather duster! Yes, that’s right, enjoy your plants and keep them looking lush and healthy by dusting regularly. You can also use a mixture of water and milk to keep naturally glossy leaf specimens shining beautifully all year long. I regularly use a clean sponge or cloth and just plain water to keep mine looking their absolute best!

Hopefully these tips will help you keep your indoor plants healthy and happy all winter long! In addition to the list of well-known health benefits of living indoor plants, I think just simply having some lush greenery surrounding you can make all the difference in our long cold winters, and is the perfect reminder that spring really is just around the corner! Trust me, I’ll be out in the greenhouse before long!!